CCW ammo choice- 9mm Luger

[Palladan44]

Im well aware that im not under armed with any quality JHP carry ammunition in my EDC. Whether one of these choices performs better than another in a Gel test, I believe will have little to no noticeable difference in the real world if I do my part. That is because 99.9% of the battle is dependant on quality hits, accurate hits, and quick follow up hits if needed. The other .01% might sway one way or another depending on the type of quality JHP ammunition I choose.

Lets look over my current ammunition options, and see if anybody has any opinions on them.
My EDC is a Glock 19 Gen4 in standard config.

Federal HI-Shok +P+ (9BPLE). 115gr. JHP

Federal HI-Shok (9BP) 115 gr. JHP

Remington Golden Saber Bonded +P 124 gr JHP

Winchester Ranger Service Bonded +P 147gr JHP

The Remington Golden Sabers I carry currently.

 

[Mark1964]

Might want to look into Federal HST 124gr, either standard or +P.

 

[Palladan44]

Might want to look into Federal HST 124gr, either standard or +P.

Maybe someday, probably not for awhile!

 

[Hartkopf]

Im well aware that im not under armed with any quality JHP carry ammunition in my EDC. Whether one of these choices performs better than another in a Gel test, I believe will have little to no noticeable difference in the real world if I do my part. That is because 99.9% of the battle is dependant on quality hits, accurate hits, and quick follow up hits if needed. The other .01% might sway one way or another depending on the type of quality JHP ammunition I choose.

Lets look over my current ammunition options, and see if anybody has any opinions on them.
My EDC is a Glock 19 Gen4 in standard config.

Federal HI-Shok +P+ (9BPLE). 115gr. JHP

Federal HI-Shok (9BP) 115 gr. JHP

Remington Golden Saber Bonded +P 124 gr JHP

Winchester Ranger Service Bonded +P 147gr JHP

The Remington Golden Sabers I carry currently.

I like the Golden Sabers the best.

I've done some testing on the Rangers and there's a good chance you will be punching a .355 hole with those, especially if the bad guy is wearing clothes. It might not matter but that's what I've seen.

 

[daniel craig]

I always used the Hornady critical defense or American gunner. They’re inexpensive enough that I can practice a lot with them; which you should do with any ammo you plan on carrying.

Edit: the best SD rounds in my opinion are the ones that allow you to get shots on target as accurately as possible. If you can’t hit with it, how good the bullet is doesn’t matter.

 

[BreechFace]

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/#9mm

I like the Remington Golden Saber 124gr +P, when I can find it. Great expansion and penetration balance.

 

[FROGO207]

Yep those are good rounds. I stack two of those with a FMJ then two more etc. on down the mag. Always have and always will. Even with a revolver two HP then a FMJ. Just another thing if I need to have some extra penetration.

 

[SharpDog]

I chose Federal 147 gr HST Tactical +P

 

[Timeless]

I cannot imagine any ammo for self defense is going to fail at doing its job. Have yet to see a video of someone laughing off 9mm rounds.

 

[denton]

Lucky Gunner has extensive ammunition test results on their web site.

I favor the Hornady XTP 124 grain loadings. But, as previously stated, not many threats shrug off any of the decent 9mm self defense rounds.

If you are accosted and produce a handgun, 93% of the time your assailant will flee. So only 7% of the time does it matter whether you have a 25ACP or a 454 Casull.

 

[Deanimator]

I won't even consider anything under 124gr., and absolutely nothing but JHPs.

All of my 9x19mm self-defense handguns are loaded with Winchester White Box 147g. JHPs. They have excellent accuracy and penetration and expand well.

I've got enough for my immediate needs, but I have no idea where I'd get more, especially since Walmart stopped carrying handgun ammunition.

 

[Palladan44]

I cannot imagine any ammo for self defense is going to fail at doing its job. Have yet to see a video of someone laughing off 9mm rounds.

How about continuing to present a deadly threat after being hit with 9mm rounds?

 

[Deanimator]

How about continuing to present a deadly threat after being hit with 9mm rounds?

When they were saddled with FMJs, NYPD had repeated instances of BOTH failure to stop AND overpenetration and wounding of bystanders.

 

[daniel craig]

When they were saddled with FMJs, NYPD had repeated instances of BOTH failure to stop AND overpenetration and wounding of bystanders.

Take that with a grain of salt though. A lot of cops are absolutely turrible shots.

 

[Palladan44]

If you are accosted and produce a handgun, 93% of the time your assailant will flee. So only 7% of the time does it matter whether you have a 25ACP or a 454 Casull.

So plan, train and equip for the 7% scenario. And hope to God for the 93% outcome. End of story

 

[Mr. Zorg]

For 9X19mm I typically carry Winchester Ranger 147 grain but the not bonded version, and not +P.

https://www.luckygunner.com/9mm-147-grain-jhp-winchester-ranger-t-series-50-rounds#geltest

I like the Golden Sabers the best.

I've done some testing on the Rangers and there's a good chance you will be punching a .355 hole with those, especially if the bad guy is wearing clothes. It might not matter but that's what I've seen.

The Lucky Gunner test results for that bonded version is congruent with what you've seen WRT the 147 grain Winchester bonded, not +P version.

I don't believe I've seen the Winchester Ranger 147 grain bonded +P version the OP posted as one of his available options.

My alternate is Speer 115 grain Gold Dots, but not the G2 version.

https://www.luckygunner.com/9mm-115-grain-jhp-speer-gold-dot-20-round#geltest

As always YMMV

 

[DT Guy]

I cannot imagine any ammo for self defense is going to fail at doing its job. Have yet to see a video of someone laughing off 9mm rounds.

Over 80% of people shot with a handgun survive. More than that survive long enough to remain a deadly threat.

No harm in maximizing the chances of immediate incapacitation.

Larry

 

[daniel craig]

Over 80% of people shot with a handgun survive. More than that survive long enough to remain a deadly threat.

No harm in maximizing the chances of immediate incapacitation.

Larry

Does that’s say more about the ammo or the lack of ability of shooters to put rounds in vital areas? I’d be willing to bet it’s more of the latter and less of the former.

 

[DT Guy]

Does that’s say more about the ammo or the lack of ability of shooters to put rounds in vital areas? I’d be willing to bet it’s more of the latter and less of the former.

It's certainly a factor, and hard data is tough to come by. This YTD from Chicago shootings compiled by 'Heyjackass.com', however, shows that 317 people were shot in the 'chest' this year, and 154 died and 163 were wounded.
253 were shot in the 'abdomen', with 39 dying and 214 injured.

In fact, of 4,091 people shot by any firearm, 3,394 survived. Guns aren't the magic death thunderbolt lots of people believe them to be.

Again, not scientific data, but better than nothing, and confirms that most people shot with a handgun survive.

Site: www.heyjackass.com

Lots of interesting, albeit anecdotal, info on Chicago shootings there.

Larry

 

[Elkins45]

I use Speer Gold Dot 124gr +p because the FBI seems to think they are good. And also because I bought a case of them on sale. I use Federal HST 180gr in my 40 caliber gun because I found it on same for $299 a case and bought two.

I need to get some decent modern 45 ammo once the craziness is over. All I have is a few boxes of the old Federal 230 Hydra-shok which supposedly isn’t very good compared to almost any newer loading.

 

[guyfromohio]

I’m an HST 147gr when I choose to carry a 9mm.

 

[Ironicaintit]

I like 124 XTP loading, charging out at around 1200fps

 

[Barry the Bear]

Ewww 9mm.... I jest... sorta... but in the few times the German round may be beside my hip I like any of the major brands service ammo that will work in my gun.

 

[bannockburn]

Another fan of Federal 124 gr. HST and Speer 124 gr Gold Dot +P ammo.

 

[bullseye308]

My personal preference is the Speer Gold Dots, 124 HST, critical defense, or Golden Sabre, all in a 124 grain.
Honestly and name brand hollow point will work if you can put it where it needs to go. Be generous and send a few, just in case. Comparatively speaking ammo is cheap.